The Howard Government will deliver an additional $30 million in funding to a further 10 communities across Australia to improve outcomes for young children and their families

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today announced the additional funding under the Howard Government's $140 million Communities for Children Initiative, while launching the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's Report, A Picture of Australia's Children.

"The selection of these 10 communities builds on 35 sites established since April 2004, which the Australian Government has already committed $110 million towards," Senator Patterson said.

"The Howard Government has used input from State and Territory Governments, as well as various data sources about families' social and economic situations and information about existing community services to select these new sites.

"The Communities for Children initiative will focus on supporting the health and early development needs of young children, aged up to five years, including early learning and literacy, playgroups, child nutrition, parenting programs and family support services.

"The initiative, part of the Howard Government's $365.8 million commitment to the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy, works in partnership with communities to achieve better outcomes for young children aged up to five years and their families.

"Providing communities throughout Australia with the necessary support and funding needed to develop early childhood initiatives is a key priority of the Howard Government.

"The Howard Government recognises local organisations are in the best position to understand and identify local needs, and this funding will assist communities to provide the necessary support for young children within the community," Senator Patterson said.

Funding to the communities will be distributed through a non-government organisation selected through a public application process.